Shopper seen kicking pigeon to death

The RSPCA is appealing for information to help track down a man seen kicking a pigeon to death in busy shopping area in Staffordshire.

Witnesses say the man laughed as he kicked the bird after walking out of a shop in Tower Square, Stoke on Trent, on Tuesday this week.

The man, who got into a silver Peugeot after attacking the pigeon, was said to be white, slim, around 30-years-old and wearing a beige coat.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: "It's absolutely hateful and completely unacceptable to attack an innocent bird just going about its usual behaviour in the street.

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"Witnesses at the scene said the man laughed as he kicked the pigeon. He booted the bird so hard that its body was launched over two cars and, after a few excruciating minutes of suffering, it died.

"The man was then seen getting into a car with two other men before driving away.

"It's absolutely shocking to hear about such deliberate and callous cruelty to this bird and I'd really like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who knows the man responsible. Anyone with any information can get in touch by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018."

Under the Animal Welfare Act, anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a punishment of up to six months in prison with a £20,000 fine.

Local councillor Lee Wanger told the Stoke Sentinel: "We are a nation of animal lovers. I have no idea why anyone would want to do something like this.

"I understand pigeons can be a nuisance at times, but that is no reason to do something like this. This person is the lowest of the low and it sets such a bad example to everyone.